2019-11-26 Tue

Karkotakas Empire was a major power in the Indian subcontinent in the medieval period during the 7th and 8th Centuries. This Empire was founded by Durlabhvardhana during the lifetime of Harshavardhan. This dynasty had marked the rise of Kashmir as the power in Northern India.

The Karkotakas Empire was a Hindu Dynasty, and being a Hindu dynasty they also built up spectacular Hindu temples in their capital Parihaspur. However, they also allowed Buddhism to flourish under their rule. Many Stupa, Chaitya, and Varaha can be found ruin under their capital. The Martand Sun Temple build by Lalitaditya in the Anantnag district is considered the oldest Sun Temple in India.

This base gold coin was issued by the king Pratapaditya of Karkotaka dynasty during 5th Century CE. The weight of this coin is around 7.45g.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction